The Cleveland Indians are on the board.
After a 7-2 loss in Game 1 of the American League Division Series on Friday, the Indians took a 1-0 lead over the Houston Astros in the top of the third inning in Game 2 on Saturday. Cleveland's early advantage came courtesy of the Tribe's franchise player, with Francisco Lindor launching a 2-out solo home run to left field off of Astros starter Gerrit Cole.
That it was Lindor who put the Indians on top with the long ball doesn't necessarily come as a surprise. This past season, the 3-time All-Star continued to showcase his impressive power, hitting 38 home runs -- the sixth most in the American League.
Trailing the defending World Series champion Astros 0-1, Cleveland will need all the power it can get at the plate, particularly when it comes from the star-studded top of its order. In Game 1, the three All-Stars who comprise the first three batters in Cleveland's lineup -- Lindor, Michael Brantley and Jose Ramirez -- went a combined 2-for-10, as the Indians recorded just three hits for the game.
Game 2, however, already appears to be a different story.
Entering the fourth inning, the Indians maintain their 1-0 lead -- thanks in part to a inning-ending double-play Lindor helped record in the bottom of the third. For all the latest from Game 2 on Saturday, follow our live blog and join the conversation on social media using the hashtag #3Indians.
